Seniors week - A chance to celebrate the contribution of our elders, Duncan
Author: Wendy Duncan
Published on: 07-November-2011
Seniors Week in Western Australia gives residents a chance to reflect on and celebrate the contributions made by the community’s elders, according to Mining and Pastoral MLC Wendy Duncan.
Since 1985 the State Government has acknowledged and thanked seniors for their ongoing commitment and contribution to communities and families through Seniors Week. This year Seniors Week runs from 6 to 13 November 2011 with events held across Western Australia.
Ms Duncan congratulated all the community groups and volunteers who were involved in activities to celebrate Seniors Week and urged everyone to go along and get involved.
“Our seniors make up a large proportion of our volunteers and the benefit that flows on to the community is immense,” Ms Duncan said, “and I am really pleased that we have made life a bit easier for our regional pensioners through the Country Age Pension Fuel Card.”
Ms Duncan said that the Fuel Card is a commitment by the Western Australian Government to provide more support for the transport needs of eligible pensioners living in country areas.
“Country pensioners do not have access to free metropolitan public transport. Through Royalties for Regions, the Country Age Pension Fuel Card provides eligible pensioners with up to $500 a year towards the cost of fuel and taxi travel from participating providers,” Ms Duncan said.
Ms Duncan said that unfortunately some service stations and taxi drivers were charging a surcharge for the use of the card.
“I urge pensioners to shop around when using their card as there are service stations and taxi companies who have entered into the spirit of this program and do not charge extra.”
